One of the world’s leading software corporations, Autodesk, has appointed Andrew Anagnost, current interim co-chief executive officer and chief marketing officer, as its new president and CEO.
Anagost’s career at California-headquartered Autodesk, a company developing software for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing industries, started in 1997.
The engineering and computer science graduate has a 25-year career of product, business, and marketing experience focused on driving strategy, transformation, and product development. He began his career at Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company before moving to EXA Corporation, and is also an NRC fellow at NASA Ames Research Center.
Announcing his appointment, Autodesk noted that Anagost was instrumental in the development and successful execution of the company’s transition to a subscription business model, and drove adoption of Autodesk’s cloud technologies. He led engineering for Autodesk Inventor, the company’s 3D model-based product design and engineering tool, growing revenue five-fold during his tenure.
Anagnost commented: “I am honoured to lead this amazing company and to serve as your CEO. For 20 years, I’ve watched Autodesk innovate and grow into the company it is today and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
“But our success isn’t based on a single product, business strategy, or sales win—it’s a result of the collective efforts of all of you, our diverse and global team. With your passion, ideas, and skills, we are ready to grow in incredible new ways.”
Autodesk’s history has been defined by periods of both product innovation and business execution, according to Anagnost. He said that the company had begun with a clear goal to transform how design was documented, and it had brought 3D design to a broader market in order to become a respected technology leader.
“Autodesk transformed the design industry by bringing CAD to the PC 35 years ago, and in the last 10 years became the clear technology leader. We were first to bring design to the cloud and mobile, and now we’re bringing construction and manufacturing to the cloud as well.”
Anagnost’s appointment follows the February 2017 resignation of the company’s former president and CEO, Carl Bass, and a comprehensive search process conducted by the board over the past four months.
Autodesk also announced that Amar Hanspal, senior vice president, chief product officer and interim co-CEO, has decided to part ways with the company.
